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Sunday, June 14, 2015

Most U.S. citizens do not know proper flag etiquette. I presume that they would not know flag for other countries as well. My theory is that most countries have their own similar set of rules. At some point soon, I will write a blog on this topic since I have never seen any document about flag Netiquette. I wanted to include this article since I felt one should be careful with displaying flags in social media.

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Flag
Etiquette Do's and Don'ts From www.military .com

The U.S. Flag
Code formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give
respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not
to be used.

The following is a list of do’s and don’ts associated with
Old Glory, the U.S. Flag.

When displaying the flag, DO the
following:

Display
the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary
flagstaffs in the open. When a patriotic effect is desired the flag may
be displayed 24-hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of
darkness.

When
placed on a single staff or lanyard, place the U.S. Flag above all other
flags.

When
flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer’s left.
Flags of other nations are flown at same height. State and local flags
are traditionally flown lower.

When
used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag
will be to the observer’s left.

On
special days, the flag may be flown at half-staff. On Memorial Day it is
flown at half-staff until noon and then raised.

When
flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant
and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again
raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By
"half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the
distance between the top and bottom of the staff. Crepe streamers may be
affixed to spear heads or flagstaffs in a parade only by order of the
President of the United States.

When
the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be
suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in
an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.

When
placed on a Podium the flag should be placed on the speaker’s right or
the staging area. Other flags should be placed to the left.

When
displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall (or other flat
surface), the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the
flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.

When
displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way -- with the
union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

When
the flag is displayed on a car, the staff shall be fixed firmly to the
chassis or clamped to the right fender.

When
the flag is used to cover a casket, it should be so placed that the union
is at the head and over the left shoulder. The flag should not be lowered
into the grave or allowed to touch the ground.

When saluting the flag DO the
following:

All
persons present in uniform (military, police, fire, etc.) should render
the military salute. Members of the armed forces and veterans who are
present but not in uniform may render the military salute.

All
other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with
their right hand over the heart, or if applicable, remove their headdress
with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being
over the heart.

When stowing or
disposing of the flag, DO the following:

Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never
wadded up.

The VFW offers the following instructions for properly
disposing of a worn flag:

The flag should be folded in its customary manner.

It is important that the fire be fairly large and of
sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag.

Place the flag on the fire.

The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the
flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent
reflection.

After the flag is completely consumed, the fire
should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried.

Please make sure you are conforming to local/state
fire codes or ordinances.

Quick list of Flag
Etiquette Don’ts:

Don’t dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or
vessel.

Don’t let the flag touch the ground.

Don’t fly flag upside down unless there is an
emergency.

Don’t carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.

Don’t use the flag as clothing.

Don’t store the flag where it can get dirty.

Don’t use it as a cover.

Don’t fasten it or tie it back. Always allow it to
fall free.

Don’t draw on, or otherwise mark the flag.

Don’t use the flag for decoration. Use bunting with
the blue on top, then white, then red.

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